Oral DNA Testing in the Treatment of Periodontal Disease  

Dawnie L. Kildoo, D.D.S., M.A.G.D., Legacy Smiles of Southern Arizona

As the leading cause of adult tooth loss, periodontal disease requires targeted and effective treatment in order to halt the progression of disease and preserve oral health. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a bacterial infection which causes damage to the gums and loss of bone surrounding the teeth. Gum disease begins with no symptoms or pain, and progresses over time, destroying more and more tissue. Gum tissue recedes and becomes swollen and reddened. Periodontal disease causes loose teeth in adults. Gum disease treatment becomes more difficult as the disease becomes more advanced. For this reason, early detection of the presence of destructive bacterial is extremely important.

Periodontal health has been linked to overall health. In recent years, medical research has suggested a link between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. If periodontal disease is directly linked to these serious health conditions, then it makes sense to use a tool which can help identify your genetic susceptibility to periodontal disease as well as test for the presence of destructive bacteria in your mouth.

My Perio Path® is a simple, painless test which identifies and measures certain bacteria present in your mouth. This test provides a method of early detection of gum disease which allows for intervention even before symptoms occur. In cases where gingivitis (early stage gum disease) and periodontal disease have been diagnosed, the test also helps identify destructive bacteria, which makes it possible to target gum disease treatment more effectively. Additionally, a second test, My Perio ID® PST®, determines your genetic predisposition to develop a more serious gum infection, such as inflammatory periodontal disease.

Dr. Dawnie Kildoo strongly believes in early detection of periodontal infection. This is why she recommends the My Perio Path® test as a part of your routine dental check-up. It is recommended to have this test in advance of certain dental treatments, such as dental implants. Testing for bacteria which could cause periodontal disease around a dental implant is an important step in planning for dental implant success. The failure rate for dental implants is very low, however, when dental implants do fail, it is often due to a periodontal infection. Eliminating destructive bacteria before a dental implant is placed helps produce more predictable outcomes and increases dental implant success.

As the art and science of dentistry continues to make advances, Dr. Dawnie Kildoo of Legacy Smiles of Southern Arizona remains committed to remaining on the leading edge of advanced dental technology. For more information about Oral DNA testing with My PerioPath® and My Perio ID®PST®, and to schedule your dental exam, contact our office at (520) 625-0131 or office@legacysmilesaz.com.

What's Behind Bad Breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, should be evaluated by a dentist to determine a possible cause and treatment.
The American Dental Association says potential causes include:

• Eating potent food, such as garlic or onions.
• Dieting excessively or not eating enough.
• Not brushing or flossing regularly to remove food particles from the teeth and gums.
• Having gum disease.
• Having insufficient saliva to help wash away food particles.
• Smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Having a medical condition, such as liver or kidney problems, a lung infection, diabetes or bronchitis.

health.usnews.com

Dental Care Safe for Pregnant Women

Dental cleanings and X-rays are safe for pregnant women, a U.S. OBGYN group says. 

The group also advised OBGYN's to perform routine dental health assessments at women's first prenatal visit and to encourage their patients to see a dentist during pregnancy.

"These new recommendations address the questions and concerns that many ob-gyns, dentists and our patients have about whether it is safe to have dental work during pregnancy," Dr. Diana Cheng, vice chairwoman of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women, said in a college news release.

Dental health problems are associated with other diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections.

"We want ob-gyns to routinely counsel all of their patients, including pregnant women, about the importance of oral health to their overall health," Cheng said.

The college noted that 35 percent of all women say they haven't seen a dentist in the past year and about 40 percent of pregnant women in the United States have cavities or gum disease. Physical changes caused by pregnancy can cause changes in teeth and gums. Dental problems during pregnancy are most common among black women, smokers and women on public assistance.

"We can all reassure our patients that routine teeth cleanings, dental X-rays and local anesthesia are safe during pregnancy," Cheng said. "Pregnancy is not a reason to delay root canals or filling cavities if they are needed because putting off treatment may lead to further complications."

Among the potential benefits of good dental health during pregnancy is that it may decrease the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria from mother to baby, which can help reduce the child's future risk of cavities. 

http://www.health.usnews.com

What are Dental Caries? What are the Symptoms?

 

What are dental caries?

Dental caries, often called cavities, are erosions of the surface of the tooth caused by the combined effects of bacteria, acids, plaque and tartar. Dental caries are common in both children and adults, and they occur most often as a result of poor dental hygiene. Dental caries are usually painless at first, but they may become painful if they spread to the nerve or root of a tooth. Left untreated, dental caries can progress to a tooth abscess, which is a more painful and potentially serious condition.

Dental caries are common, but they can often be prevented by practicing good dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. Dental caries usually do not require emergency medical care unless they become painful, do not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, or progress to a tooth abscess. Treatment includes removing the decayed material with a drill and filling in the resulting hole with a stable dental material.

What are the symptoms of dental caries?

Generally, you will not experience any serious symptoms from dental caries. When symptoms are present, they may include toothache or sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages.

Common symptoms of dental caries

You may experience symptoms of dental caries all the time or just occasionally. At times, any of these dental caries symptoms can be severe.

Symptoms of dental caries are usually localized to the mouth and include:

• Holes in the surface of a tooth

• Pain when chewing

• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages

• Toothache

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

In some cases, dental caries can be a serious condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Contact your dentist or seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms including:

• Severe swelling or pain in the jawbone

• Severe toothache that cannot be controlled by over-the-counter pain relievers

localhealth.com

Introducing Glo! The ZERO Sensitivity Whitening System

Introducing Glo!

The ZERO Sensitivity Whitening System

is now available at

Legacy Smiles of Southern Arizona!

Call our office at (520) 625-0131 

to receive $100.00 Off Glo Dual!

Legacy Smiles of Southern Arizona

Dawnie L. Kildoo, D.D.S., M.A.G.D.

267 W. Duval Road, Suite 105

Green Valley, AZ  85614

Office: (520) 625-0131

Fax: (520) 625-6998

Email: Office@LegacySmileesAZ.com

PREVENTING PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused when bacteria in plaque (a sticky, colorless film that forms in the mouth) builds up between the gums and teeth. When the bacteria begin to grow, the gums surrounding the tooth can become inflamed.

If left untreated, this inflammation can cause the gums and supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This can lead to gum recession or even tooth loss. In addition, research has shown that gum disease may be associated with other diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.  Luckily, periodontal disease can be preventable. Adding these habits to your daily routine can help. Brush your teeth. Brushing after meals helps remove food debris and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to include your tongue, bacteria loves to hide there.  Floss. Flossing at least once a day helps remove food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line that your toothbrush can’t quite reach. Swish with mouthwash. Using a mouthwash can help reduce plaque and can remove remaining food particles that brushing and flossing missed. Know your risk. Age, smoking, diet and genetics can all increase your risk for periodontal disease. If you are at increased risk, be sure to talk with your dental professional.  perio.org Legacy Smiles of Southern Arizona Dawnie L. Kildoo, D.D.S., M.A.G.D. 267 W. Duval Road, Suite 105 Green Valley, AZ 85614 Office: (520) 625-0131 Email: office@legacysmilesaz.com http://www.legacysmilesaz.com

The Jaw Is Also A Casualty When Bacterium Causes Gum Disease

The newly discovered bacterium that causes gum disease delivers a one-two punch by also triggering normally protective proteins in the mouth to actually destroy more bone, a University of Michigan study found.

Scientists and oral health care providers have known for decades that bacteria are responsible for periodontitis, or gum disease. Until now, however, they hadn't identified the bacterium.

"Identifying the mechanism that is responsible for periodontitis is a major discovery," said Yizu Jiao, a postdoctoral fellow at the U-M Health System, and lead author of the study appearing in the recent issue of the journal Cell Host and Microbe.

Jiao and Noahiro Inohara, research associate professor at the U-M Health System, worked with William Giannobile, professor of dentistry, and Julie Marchesan, formerly of Giannobile's lab.

The study yielded yet another significant finding: the bacterium that causes gum disease, called NI1060, also triggers a normally protective protein in the oral cavity, called Nod1, to turn traitorous and actually trigger bone-destroying cells. Under normal circumstances, Nod1 fights harmful bacterium in the body.

"Nod1 is a part of our protective mechanisms against bacterial infection. It helps us to fight infection by recruiting neutrophils, blood cells that act as bacterial killers," Inohara said. "It also removes harmful bacteria during infection. However, in the case of periodontitis, accumulation of NI1060 stimulates Nod1 to trigger neutrophils and osteoclasts, which are cells that destroy bone in the oral cavity."

Giannobile, who also chairs the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the U-M School of Dentistry, said understanding what causes gum disease at the molecular level could help develop personalized therapy for dental patients.

"The findings from this study underscore the connection between beneficial and harmful bacteria that normally reside in the oral cavity, how a harmful bacterium causes the disease, and how an at-risk patient might respond to such bacteria," Giannobile said. 

medicalnewstoday.com

Legacy Smiles of Southern Arizona
Dawnie L. Kildoo, D.D.S., M.A.G.D.
267 W. Duval Road, Suite 105
Green Valley, AZ  85614
(520) 625-0131
http://www.legacysmilesaz.com